Downing Street has confirmed that Jeremy Hunt is considering a national insurance cut ahead of the next election, despite the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) warning of a potential £30bn fiscal shortfall.

Rishi Sunak’s government disagrees with the IMF's suggestion to avoid further NIC cuts and instead consider tax increases or spending cuts.

The IMF's annual report highlights economic challenges due to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, advising caution.

The IMF also suggested that cutting national insurance could have labor supply benefits but emphasized the need for comprehensive revenue-raising measures to stabilize public finances.